Evaluating the Knowledge and Awareness of Oral Cancer among Dental and Medical Undergraduate Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32828/mdj.v21i1.1204Keywords:
cancer awareness, dental education, knowledge, medical educationAbstract
Aims: The purpose of this research was to evaluate knowledge and awareness of undergraduate medical and dental students of different Iraqi universities about oral cancer.
Methods: A cross‑sectional survey was carried out and questionnaires were distributed among 378 students. Awareness and knowledge on oral cancer was evaluated by questions on examination, taking patient’s history, risk factors for oral cancer and clinical appearance of oral cancer.
Results: Significantly more dental participants (84.8%) reported routinely examining the oral mucosa in contrast 50.4% of medical students. Smoking was recognized as a risk factor by 90.8% of medical students and 77.0% of dental students. A very small percentage of dental (9.7%) and medical (5.0%) students feel that they are very well informed on oral cancer clinical appearance. Regarding oral changes related to oral cancer, 70.6% of medical and 56.8% of dental students recognized leukoplakia. Majority of medical (91.6%) and dental (94.9%) students said they needed more information about oral cancer.
Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight strengths and gaps in oral cancer knowledge among dental and medical students. While certain aspects of awareness, particularly among dental students, were encouraging, the overall results indicate a clear need for continuous education and training.
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